Lewisham chief to join RBKC permanently following Grenfell

Barry Quirk, the interim chief executive of the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington, will take up the post permanently.

He leaves Lewisham Council where he has served as chief executive since 1994. In a letter sent to Lewisham mayor Steve Bullock today, Quirk indicated his intention to resign so he could join RBKC.

Quirk was seconded to RBKC on 23 June following the Grenfell Tower fire to stabilise management at the council in the aftermath of the disaster, which killed at least 80 people on 14 June.

Nicholas Holgate, RBKC’s previous chief executive, resigned on 21 June although he said he would have preferred to have continued in the role.

Quirk said he was pleased that RBKC had accepted his offer to continue in the role on a permanent basis.

He added: “There is no more urgent public service priority in London than helping the hundreds of families impacted by the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire."

RBKC council leader Elizabeth Campbell said: “Grenfell survivors have a long and difficult journey ahead as they start to rebuild their lives. I welcome the appointment of Barry Quirk as part of the council’s commitment to support Grenfell survivors and the wider community of North Kensington.

“Barry brings a wealth of experience during this from his many years’ experience as chief executive at Lewisham Council.”

Paying tribute to Quirk’s record in Lewisham, Bullock said: “Without Barry’s outstanding leadership, Lewisham would not be the growing, resilient and cohesive place it is now."

He added: “Barry’s willingness to step in and assist in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower disaster was commendable and I can think of no better person to help Kensington & Chelsea through this difficult period.”

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